U.S. patent application number 15/432822 was filed with the patent office on 2017-10-12 for vehicle control method and apparatus, and storage medium.
This patent application is currently assigned to Beijing Xiaomi Mobile Software Co., Ltd.. The applicant listed for this patent is Beijing Xiaomi Mobile Software Co., Ltd.. Invention is credited to Xu ZHANG.
Application Number | 20170292854 15/432822 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56636131 |
Filed Date | 2017-10-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170292854 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
ZHANG; Xu |
October 12, 2017 |
VEHICLE CONTROL METHOD AND APPARATUS, AND STORAGE MEDIUM
Abstract
A vehicle control method includes: acquiring position
information and trip information of at least one vehicle including
a first vehicle which has entered or is to enter a parking state,
the trip information including at least one of: a real-time
navigation route, a scheduled departure time, or a scheduled
navigation route; determining a first parking space for the first
vehicle based on the position information and the trip information
of the at least one vehicle; and transmitting a first instruction
including information about the first parking space to the first
vehicle to cause the first vehicle to move into the first parking
space.
Inventors: |
ZHANG; Xu; (Beijing,
CN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Beijing Xiaomi Mobile Software Co., Ltd. |
Beijing |
|
CN |
|
|
Assignee: |
Beijing Xiaomi Mobile Software Co.,
Ltd.
|
Family ID: |
56636131 |
Appl. No.: |
15/432822 |
Filed: |
February 14, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G08G 1/146 20130101;
H04W 4/021 20130101; G05D 1/0088 20130101; G08G 1/143 20130101;
G01C 21/3685 20130101; G01C 21/3415 20130101; G08G 1/147
20130101 |
International
Class: |
G01C 21/36 20060101
G01C021/36; G01C 21/34 20060101 G01C021/34; G05D 1/00 20060101
G05D001/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 6, 2016 |
CN |
201610210598.6 |
Claims
1. A vehicle control method, comprising: acquiring position
information and trip information of at least one vehicle including
a first vehicle which has entered or is to enter a parking state,
the trip information including at least one of: a real-time
navigation route, a scheduled departure time, or a scheduled
navigation route; determining a first parking space for the first
vehicle based on the position information and the trip information
of the at least one vehicle; and transmitting a first instruction
including information about the first parking space to the first
vehicle to cause the first vehicle to move into the first parking
space.
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the at least one
vehicle further includes a second vehicle which has entered the
parking state; the trip information includes the scheduled
departure times of the first and second vehicles, and the scheduled
navigation route of the second vehicle; and the determining the
first parking space of the first vehicle based on the position
information and the trip information of the at least one vehicle
comprises: responsive to determining that the scheduled departure
time of the first vehicle is either unavailable or later than the
scheduled departure time of the second vehicle, and that the first
vehicle is positioned on the scheduled navigation route of the
second vehicle, determining a vacant parking space that is not
posited on the estimated navigation route of the second vehicle as
the first parking space.
3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the first parking space
is occupied by the second vehicle, and the method further
comprises: determining a second parking space of the second
vehicle, the second parking space being an original position where
the first vehicle was located before receiving the first
instruction; and transmitting a second instruction to the second
vehicle to cause the second vehicle to move into the second parking
space.
4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the at least one
vehicle further includes a second vehicle which is in a moving
state; the trip information of the second vehicle includes a
real-time navigation route of the second vehicle; and the
determining the first parking space for the first vehicle
comprises: responsive to determining that the first vehicle is
positioned on the real-time navigation route of the second vehicle,
determining a vacant parking space not positioned on the real-time
navigation route of the second vehicle as the first parking
space.
5. The method according to claim 4, further comprising: responsive
to determining the second vehicle has passes an original position
where the first vehicle was located before receiving the first
instruction, transmitting a second instruction to the first vehicle
to cause the first vehicle to return to the original position.
6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the determining the
first parking space for the first vehicle comprises: responsive to
determining that the scheduled departure time of the first vehicle
is not later than a designated time point, determining a vacant
parking space in a first set of parking spaces as the first parking
space; and responsive to determining that the scheduled departure
time of the first vehicle is later than the designated time point,
determining a vacant parking space in a second set of parking
spaces as the first parking space; wherein the first set of parking
spaces includes a parking space that is positioned on a departure
route from at least one parking space in the second set of parking
spaces.
7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the second set of
parking spaces includes a vacant parking space with a single
accessible route, and the method further comprises: responsive to
determining that the first parking space blocks the single
accessible route, determining a buffering parking space that is not
positioned on a route between spaces in the first and second sets
of parking spaces; and transmitting a second instruction to the
first vehicle to cause the first vehicle to move into the buffering
parking space, and wherein the first instruction is transmitted
after determining that first vehicle has moved into the buffering
parking space.
8. A vehicle control apparatus, comprising: a processor; and a
memory configured to store instructions executable by the
processor, wherein the processor is configured to: acquire position
information and trip information of at least one vehicle including
a first vehicle which has entered or is to enter a parking state,
the trip information including at least one of: a real-time
navigation route, a scheduled departure time, or a scheduled
navigation route; determine a first parking space for the first
vehicle based on the position information and the trip information
of the at least one vehicle; and transmit a first instruction
including information about the first parking space to the first
vehicle to cause the first vehicle to move into the first parking
space.
9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the at least one vehicle
further includes a second vehicle which has entered the parking
state; the trip information includes the scheduled departure times
of the first and second vehicles, and the scheduled navigation
route of the second vehicle; and in determining the first parking
space of the first vehicle based on the position information and
the trip information of the at least one vehicle, the processor is
further configured to: responsive to determining that the scheduled
departure time of the first vehicle is either unavailable or later
than the scheduled departure time of the second vehicle, and that
the first vehicle is positioned on the scheduled navigation route
of the second vehicle, determine a vacant parking space that is not
posited on the estimated navigation route of the second vehicle as
the first parking space.
10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the first parking space is
occupied by the second vehicle, and the processor is further
configured to: determine a second parking space of the second
vehicle, the second parking space being an original position where
the first vehicle was located before receiving the first
instruction; and transmit a second instruction to the second
vehicle to cause the second vehicle to move into the second parking
space.
11. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the at least one vehicle
further includes a second vehicle which is in a moving state; the
trip information of the second vehicle includes a real-time
navigation route of the second vehicle; and in determining the
first parking space for the first vehicle, the processor is further
configured to: responsive to determining that the first vehicle is
positioned on the real-time navigation route of the second vehicle,
determine a vacant parking space not positioned on the real-time
navigation route of the second vehicle as the first parking
space.
12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the processor is further
configured to: responsive to determining the second vehicle has
passes an original position where the first vehicle was located
before receiving the first instruction, transmit a second
instruction to the first vehicle to cause the first vehicle to
return to the original position.
13. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein in determining the first
parking space for the first vehicle, the processor is further
configured to: responsive to determining that the scheduled
departure time of the first vehicle is not later than a designated
time point, determine a vacant parking space in a first set of
parking spaces as the first parking space; and responsive to
determining that the scheduled departure time of the first vehicle
is later than the designated time point, determine a vacant parking
space in a second set of parking spaces as the first parking space;
wherein the first set of parking spaces includes a parking space
that is positioned on a departure route from at least one parking
space in the second set of parking spaces.
14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the second set of parking
spaces includes a vacant parking space with a single accessible
route, and the processor is further configured to: responsive to
determining that the first parking space blocks the single
accessible route, determine a buffering parking space that is not
positioned on a route between spaces in the first and second sets
of parking spaces; and transmit a second instruction to the first
vehicle to cause the first vehicle to move into the buffering
parking space, and wherein the first instruction is transmitted
after determining that first vehicle has moved into the buffering
parking space.
15. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having stored
therein instructions that, when executed by a processor of a mobile
terminal, cause the mobile terminal to perform a vehicle control
method, the method comprising: acquiring position information and
trip information of at least one vehicle including a first vehicle
which has entered or is to enter a parking state, the trip
information including at least one of: a real-time navigation
route, a scheduled departure time, or a scheduled navigation route;
determining a first parking space for the first vehicle based on
the position information and the trip information of the at least
one vehicle; and transmitting a first instruction including
information about the first parking space to the first vehicle to
cause the first vehicle to move into the first parking space.
16. The storage medium of claim 15, wherein the at least one
vehicle further includes a second vehicle which has entered the
parking state; the trip information includes the scheduled
departure times of the first and second vehicles, and the scheduled
navigation route of the second vehicle; and the determining the
first parking space of the first vehicle based on the position
information and the trip information of the at least one vehicle
comprises: responsive to determining that the scheduled departure
time of the first vehicle is either unavailable or later than the
scheduled departure time of the second vehicle, and that the first
vehicle is positioned on the scheduled navigation route of the
second vehicle, determining a vacant parking space that is not
posited on the estimated navigation route of the second vehicle as
the first parking space.
17. The storage medium of claim 16, wherein the first parking space
is occupied by the second vehicle, and the method further
comprises: determining a second parking space of the second
vehicle, the second parking space being an original position where
the first vehicle was located before receiving the first
instruction; and transmitting a second instruction to the second
vehicle to cause the second vehicle to move into the second parking
space.
18. The storage medium of claim 15, wherein the at least one
vehicle further includes a second vehicle which is in a moving
state; the trip information of the second vehicle includes a
real-time navigation route of the second vehicle; and the
determining the first parking space for the first vehicle
comprises: responsive to determining that the first vehicle is
positioned on the real-time navigation route of the second vehicle,
determining a vacant parking space not positioned on the real-time
navigation route of the second vehicle as the first parking
space.
19. The storage medium of claim 18, wherein the method further
comprises: responsive to determining the second vehicle has passes
an original position where the first vehicle was located before
receiving the first instruction, transmitting a second instruction
to the first vehicle to cause the first vehicle to return to the
original position.
20. The storage medium of claim 15, wherein the determining the
first parking space for the first vehicle comprises: responsive to
determining that the scheduled departure time of the first vehicle
is not later than a designated time point, determining a vacant
parking space in a first set of parking spaces as the first parking
space; and responsive to determining that the scheduled departure
time of the first vehicle is later than the designated time point,
determining a vacant parking space in a second set of parking
spaces as the first parking space; wherein the first set of parking
spaces includes a parking space that is positioned on a departure
route from at least one parking space in the second set of parking
spaces.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is based on and claims the priority of
Chinese Application No. 201610210598.6, filed on Apr. 6, 2016,
which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure is generally related to the technical
field of automatic control, and more particularly, to a vehicle
control method and apparatus, and a storage medium.
BACKGROUND
[0003] With the development of technologies and the improvement of
living standards, cars usage increases. As a result, it becomes
more difficult for drivers to find parking spaces, and more drivers
double park their vehicles, or park their vehicles at inappropriate
spots, which can block other vehicles and create traffic
congestion.
SUMMARY
[0004] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of
concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in
the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify
key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter,
nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed
subject matter.
[0005] In one aspect, a vehicle control method is provided. The
method comprises: acquiring position information and trip
information of at least one vehicle including a first vehicle which
has entered or is to enter a parking state, the trip information
including at least one of: a real-time navigation route, a
scheduled departure time, or a scheduled navigation route;
determining a first parking space for the first vehicle based on
the position information and the trip information of the at least
one vehicle; and transmitting a first instruction including
information about the first parking space to the first vehicle to
cause the first vehicle to move into the first parking space.
[0006] In another aspect, a vehicle control apparatus is provided.
The apparatus comprises a processor; and a memory configured to
store instructions executable by the processor, wherein the
processor is configured to: acquire position information and trip
information of at least one vehicle including a first vehicle which
has entered or is to enter a parking state, the trip information
including at least one of: a real-time navigation route, a
scheduled departure time, or a scheduled navigation route;
determine a first parking space for the first vehicle based on the
position information and the trip information of the at least one
vehicle; and transmit a first instruction including information
about the first parking space to the first vehicle to cause the
first vehicle to move into the first parking space.
[0007] In another aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable
storage medium is provided. The storage medium stores instructions
that, when executed by a processor of a mobile terminal, cause the
mobile terminal to perform a vehicle control method, the method
comprising: acquiring position information and trip information of
at least one vehicle including a first vehicle which has entered or
is to enter a parking state, the trip information including at
least one of: a real-time navigation route, a scheduled departure
time, or a scheduled navigation route; determining a first parking
space for the first vehicle based on the position information and
the trip information of the at least one vehicle; and transmitting
a first instruction including information about the first parking
space to the first vehicle to cause the first vehicle to move into
the first parking space.
[0008] It should be understood that both the foregoing general
description and the following detailed description are only
exemplary and explanatory and are not restrictive of the
disclosure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments
consistent with the disclosure and, together with the description,
serve to explain the principles of the disclosure.
[0010] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary vehicle
control system according to embodiments of the present
disclosure.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary vehicle
control method according embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary vehicle
control method according to embodiments of the present
disclosure.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary vehicle
control method according to embodiments of the present
disclosure.
[0014] FIGS. 5-6 are schematic diagrams illustrating exemplary
parking spaces assignment methods provided by embodiments of the
present disclosure.
[0015] FIG. 7 a flow chart illustrating an exemplary vehicle
control method according to embodiments of the present
disclosure.
[0016] FIGS. 8-9 are schematic diagrams illustrating exemplary
parking spaces exchange methods provided by embodiments of the
present disclosure.
[0017] FIG. 10 a flow chart illustrating an exemplary vehicle
control method according to embodiments of the present
disclosures.
[0018] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating a vehicle moving
operation according to an exemplary vehicle control method provided
by embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0019] FIGS. 12-15 are schematic diagrams illustrating exemplary
vehicle control apparatuses according to embodiments of the present
disclosure.
[0020] FIG. 16 illustrates an exemplary apparatus in which
embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented.
[0021] The above drawings illustrate specific embodiments of this
disclosure, which will be described in detail in the following.
These drawings and literal descriptions are not intended to limit
the scope of the concept of this disclosure by any means, but to
explain the concept of this disclosure to those skilled in the art
with reference to the specific embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary
embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying
drawings. The following description refers to the accompanying
drawings in which the same numbers in different drawings represent
the same or similar elements unless otherwise indicated. The
implementations set forth in the following description of exemplary
embodiments do not represent all implementations consistent with
the disclosure. Instead, they are merely examples of apparatuses
and methods consistent with aspects related to the disclosure as
recited in the appended claims.
[0023] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary vehicle
control system 100 according to embodiments of the present
disclosure. In some embodiments, the vehicle control system 100 may
include a computer system 110 and at least one vehicle 120. The at
least one vehicle 120 may comprise vehicles 120a, 120b, and
120c.
[0024] The computer system 110 may be a server, a personal
computer, a mobile terminal, etc. The computer system 100 can also
include a standalone system, or a cluster composed of multiple
computer systems for realizing different functions respectively.
The computer system 110 may also be a cloud computing center.
[0025] The at least one vehicle 120 may be a vehicle that possesses
a positioning function and an automatic driving function. For
example, the at least one vehicle 120 may be a vehicle provided
with a satellite positioning module or a wireless positioning
module and with an automatic driving system.
[0026] The at least one vehicle 120 may further have a wireless
communication function. For example, the at least one vehicle 120
may include a wireless communication module supporting 3G/4G
wireless communication technologies, through which wireless data
exchange may be performed between the at least one vehicle 120 and
the computer system 110.
[0027] FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary vehicle
control method 200 according embodiments of the present disclosure.
The method 200 may be performed by the computer system 110 of FIG.
1, and may comprise the following steps S201-S203.
[0028] In step S201, the computer system 110 may acquire position
information and trip information of at least one vehicle (e.g., at
least one vehicle 120 of FIG. 1) including a first vehicle (e.g.,
the vehicle 120a of FIG. 1) which has entered or is about to enter
a parking state. The first vehicle may be not under the control of
a driver. The trip information may include information of at least
one of: a real-time navigation route, a scheduled departure time,
and a scheduled navigation route.
[0029] In step S202, the computer system 110 assigns a parking
space to the first vehicle based on the position information and
the trip information of the at least one vehicle.
[0030] In step S203, the computer system 110 transmits an
instruction to the first vehicle to cause the first vehicle to move
into the assigned parking space.
[0031] FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary vehicle
control method 300 according to embodiments of the present
disclosure. The method may be performed by one of the at least one
vehicle 120 of FIG. 1 (e.g., the vehicle 120a), and may comprise
the following steps S301 and S302.
[0032] In step S301, the vehicle 120a receives an instruction
including information of an assigned parking space from a computer
system (e.g., the computer system 110 of FIG. 1), the assigned
parking space being determined by the computer system based on
position information and trip information of at least one vehicle
120 including the vehicle 120a which has entered or is to enter a
parking state. The vehicle 120a may be not under the control of a
driver, and the trip information may include information of at
least one of: a real-time navigation route, a scheduled departure
time, and a scheduled navigation route; and
[0033] In step S302, the vehicle 120a is controlled to move into
the assigned parking space according to the instruction.
[0034] With embodiments of the present disclosure, a vehicle can be
controlled to park at a predetermined location based on trip
information of the vehicle as well as other vehicles nearby. As a
result, the likelihood that the vehicle under control blocking
other vehicles (e.g., in a parking area, or on a road) can be
minimized. Both an operation of a parking area, as well as traffic
flow, can be improved as a result.
[0035] As an illustrative example, the computer system 110 may
control individual vehicles to park at a predetermined set of
parking spaces in a parking area based on a chronological order of
the scheduled departure times of these vehicles, which can be the
times these vehicles are scheduled to leave their parking spaces.
Such an arrangement can reduce the likelihood of a vehicle being
blocked by another parked vehicle on its way out of the parking
area.
[0036] As another illustrative example, the computer system 110 may
also determine, based on a scheduled departure route to be taken by
a vehicle on its way out of the parking area, that vehicle is going
to be blocked by another parked vehicle. Based on this
determination, the computer system 110 may move the blocking
vehicle to allow the blocked vehicle to leave. In a case where the
blocking vehicle is parked on a route of a moving vehicle, the
computer system 110 may also move the blocking vehicle to give way
to the moving vehicle. In both cases, the likelihood of a parked
vehicle blocking another vehicle (either parked or moving) can also
be reduced as well.
[0037] FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary vehicle
control method 400 according to embodiments of the present
disclosure. The method 400 may be performed by the vehicle control
system 100 of FIG. 1 to, for example, control individual vehicles
to park at a predetermined set of parking spaces based on a
chronological order of their scheduled departure times, as
discussed above. In some embodiments, the vehicle control method
400 may comprise the following steps S401-S405.
[0038] In step 5401, a computer system (e.g., the computer system
110) acquires position information and trip information of at least
one vehicle including a first vehicle (e.g., the vehicle 120a of
FIG. 1) which is to enter a parking state. The trip information may
include a scheduled departure time for the first vehicle to move
away from a certain location (e.g., a parking lot).
[0039] Optionally, the at least one vehicle may include all
vehicles within the predetermined area or within a predetermined
distance from the first vehicle. In some embodiments, the at least
one vehicle may also include certain vehicles within the
predetermined distance that also meet a predetermined condition.
The predetermined condition may include, for example, a vehicle not
being scheduled by the computer system to visit a certain location,
or not being scheduled by the computer system at all.
[0040] In some embodiments, the computer system may receive
real-time position information of the at least one vehicle from,
for example, a satellite positioning module, a wireless positioning
module, or other positioning module built in the vehicle. In
addition, the computer system may also receive trip information of
the vehicle from a control system of the vehicle. The trip
information may include information of a scheduled trip for the
vehicle, which includes a scheduled departure time for the vehicle
to move away from a certain location. The trip information may be
set in the vehicle, or received from a user terminal of the vehicle
owner/driver in advance.
[0041] Optionally, the trip information may also include other
information, such as a destination for the trip, and a navigation
route to the destination.
[0042] In step S402, if the computer system determines that the
scheduled departure time of the first vehicle is not later than a
designated time point, the computer system may assign to the first
vehicle a vacant parking space in a first set of parking
spaces.
[0043] The designated time point may be a fixed time point set by
the computer system in advance. For example, the designated time
point may be fixed to 12:00 at noon. Alternatively, it may be a
time point calculated and updated in real time by the computer
system based on the current time. For example, the designated time
point may be a time point 6 hours after a current time. If the
current time is 8:00 AM, then the designated time point will be
2:00 PM.
[0044] In step S403, if the computer system determines that the
scheduled departure time of the first vehicle is later than the
designated time point, the computer system may assign a vacant
parking space in a second set of parking spaces to the first
vehicle.
[0045] In some embodiments, the first set of parking spaces may
include a parking space that is positioned on a departure route
from at least one parking space in the second set of parking
spaces.
[0046] In some embodiments, the computer system may manage all
parking spaces in an area. Some of the parking spaces may be close
to one another. Some of the parking spaces may also be positioned
on the departure routes from some other parking spaces. The
computer system may divide the parking spaces into at least first
and second sets of parking spaces based on positional relations
among the parking spaces. For example, the first set of parking
spaces may be associated with departure routes that pass a few or
no other parking spaces. On the other hand, the second set of
parking spaces may be associated with departure routes that pass
many other parking spaces. Moreover, typically the first set of
parking spaces includes parking spaces which can block the
departure routes associated with the some of the parking spaces in
the second set of parking spaces.
[0047] When the computer system determines a parking space for the
first vehicle, the computer system may determine to choose the
parking space from the first or second sets of parking spaces based
on the scheduled departure time of the first vehicle, which can be
set in advance. For example, if the scheduled departure time is
before a certain time point (e.g., before 12:00 at noon), the
computer system may assign a vacant parking space from the first
set of parking spaces to the first vehicle, which allows the
vehicle to leave the parking area more quickly (since the first set
of parking spaces may be associated with departure routes that pass
a few or no other parking spaces). But if the scheduled departure
time of the first vehicle is after that certain time point (e.g.,
after 12:00 at noon), the computer system may assign, to the first
vehicle, a vacant parking space from the second set of parking
spaces, so that the first vehicle leaving late will not block the
departure routes of other vehicles leaving earlier.
[0048] Reference is now made to FIG. 5, which illustrates an
exemplary parking spaces assignment method provided by embodiments
of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 5, there are 16 parking
spaces in a parking area 50. The four parking spaces 51 in the
middle may be designated as the second set of parking spaces, and
the rest of the parking spaces surrounding the parking spaces 51
may be designated as the first set of parking spaces. Each of the
first set of parking spaces, when occupied by a vehicle, can block
the departure routes associated with at least one of the second set
of parking spaces.
[0049] When a vehicle 41 enters a waiting state, the computer
system can acquire the scheduled departure time of vehicle 41, and
determine which parking space to assign to the vehicle 41 based on
the relationship between the scheduled departure time and a
designated time point. As an illustrative example, assuming the
designated time point is 12:00 AM, if the scheduled departure time
of the vehicle 41 is 9:30 AM, which is earlier than the designated
time point, the computer system may assign space A in the first set
of parking spaces to the vehicle 41. On the other hand, if the
scheduled departure time of the vehicle 41 is 17:30 PM, which is
later than the designated time point, the computer system may
assign position B in the second set of parking spaces to the
vehicle 41.
[0050] With such arrangements, a vehicle having a relatively later
scheduled departure time can be assigned to a parking space in the
middle of parking area 50, and a vehicle having a relatively
earlier booked departure time can be scheduled to a parking space
at an outer side of parking area 50. By the time the vehicle with
later scheduled departure time are to leave the middle of parking
area 50, they are less likely to be blocked off by vehicles parked
at the outer side of parking area 50, since those vehicles are
likely to have left by that time. As a result, the operation of the
parking area can become more efficient, and the parking spaces can
also be utilized more efficiently.
[0051] Referring back to FIG. 4, in step S404, the computer system
transmits a first instruction that includes the information about
the assigned parking space to the first vehicle. The computer
system may transmit the first instruction to the first vehicle
through a wireless network connection between the computer system
and the first vehicle.
[0052] In step S405, the first vehicle is controlled to move into
the assigned parking space according to the first instruction.
[0053] Optionally, the first vehicle can be controlled by an
automatic driving system to move into the assigned parking space,
after the wireless communication module of the first vehicle
receives the instruction from the computer system. As an
illustrative example, the automatic driving system may
automatically determine a navigation route from a current position
of the first vehicle to the assigned parking space, and control the
first vehicle to move into the assigned parking space following the
navigation route. As another illustrative example, the computer
system may also determine a navigation route from the first vehicle
to the assigned parking space based on the location of the assigned
parking space, and the location of the first vehicle. The computer
system may then include information about the navigation route, as
well as the assigned parking space, in the first instruction
transmitted to the first vehicle. The automatic driving system of
the first vehicle can then control the first vehicle to move into
the assigned parking space according to the navigation route
information.
[0054] In some embodiments, in a case where the computer system
assigns a vacant parking space in the first set of parking spaces,
the computer system may also determine whether the assigned parking
space blocks the only route available for accessing a vacant
parking space in the second set of parking spaces. In that case,
the computer system may assign a buffering parking space not
positioned on a route between the first and second set of parking
spaces, and transmit a second instruction to cause the first
vehicle to move into the buffering parking space. After the
computer system detects that the empty parking space in the second
set of parking spaces has been occupied by another vehicle, the
computer system can then transmit the first instruction to cause
the first vehicle to move into the assigned parking space.
[0055] Reference is now made to FIG. 6, which illustrates an
exemplary parking spaces assignment method provided by embodiments
of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 6, a parking area 60 is
divided into a main parking area on the left and a buffer parking
area on the right. The main parking area on the left has majority
of the parking spaces. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, there are
16 parking spaces in the main parking area. Among the 16 parking
spaces, there are four parking spaces 61 that are designated the
second set of parking spaces, and the remaining 12 parking spaces
are designated the first set of parking spaces. The buffering
parking area on the right includes parking spaces 62.
[0056] Both vehicles 41 and 42 are to be parked in the parking area
60. The vehicle 41 enters a waiting state earlier than the vehicle
42. The computer system acquires the scheduled departure time for
the vehicle 41 as 9:30 AM, and determines to assign parking space A
to the vehicle 41 based on the scheduled departure time. At this
time, parking space B is not yet occupied, and the computer system
detects that the parking space A is along the only route available
for accessing the parking space B. If the vehicle 41 is parked at
the parking space A, other vehicles that come later will not be
able to move into the parking space B until vehicle 41 leaves. In
this case, the computer system may first determine a currently
available parking space in the right buffering parking area (e.g.,
the parking space C), and may instruct the vehicle 41 to move into
the parking space C first. The computer system then acquires the
scheduled departure time of the vehicle 42 as 17:30 PM, and based
on this information, assigns the parking space B to the vehicle 42,
and instructs the vehicle 42 to move into the parking space B.
After detecting that the vehicle 42 has moved into the parking
space B, the computer system then instructs the vehicle 41 to move
into the parking space A.
[0057] With such arrangements, a vehicle having a relatively later
scheduled departure time can be assigned to a parking space in the
middle of parking area 60, and a vehicle having a relatively
earlier scheduled departure time can be assigned to a parking space
at an outer side of parking area 60. By the time the vehicle with
later scheduled departure time are to leave their parking spaces in
the middle of parking area 60, they are less likely to be blocked
by vehicles parked at the outer side of parking area 60, since
those vehicles are likely to have left by that time. Meanwhile, a
buffering parking area is also provided for temporarily parking a
vehicle that is assigned a parking space that blocks off other
parking spaces. The buffering parking area also allows a vehicle,
with an earlier scheduled departure time, to move into the assigned
parking space after the blocked parking spaces have been occupied
by other vehicles with later scheduled departure time. This further
reduces the likelihood that a vehicle with earlier scheduled
departure time being blocked off by other vehicles with later
scheduled departure times. As a result, the operation of the
parking area can become more efficient, and the parking spaces can
also be utilized more efficiently.
[0058] FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing an exemplary vehicle control
method 700 consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.
The method 700 may be performed by the vehicle control system 100
of FIG. 1 to, for example, control a parked vehicle to move away to
allow another parked vehicle to vacate its parking space, as
discussed above. In some embodiments, the vehicle control method
700 may comprise the following steps S701-S708.
[0059] In step S701, a computer system (e.g., the computer system
110 of FIG. 1) acquires position information and trip information
of at least one vehicle including a first vehicle (e.g., the
vehicle 120a of FIG. 1) and a second vehicle (e.g., the vehicle
120b of FIG. 1) which have entered a parking state, the trip
information including scheduled departure times and scheduled
navigation routes. In some embodiments, the acquisition of position
information and the trip information in step S701 is similar to
step S401 of the vehicle control method 400 as described above, the
details of which are not repeated here.
[0060] In some embodiments, the at least one vehicle includes at
least two vehicles (e.g., a first vehicle and a second vehicle)
which have entered the parking state. The computer system acquires
the position information and the trip information of each of the
first and second vehicles. The trip information may also include
information about a scheduled navigation route as well as a
scheduled departure time. The scheduled navigation route may be a
navigation route for a vehicle to move to a specific destination or
depart from a specific parking space.
[0061] In some embodiments, in a case where the predetermined
navigation route is a navigation route for moving to a specific
destination, the navigation route may be pre-set by a vehicle
owner/driver using, for example, a user terminal. Alternatively,
the vehicle owner/driver may also pre-set a destination, and the
computer system may determine a navigation route based on the
pre-set destination and the position information of the vehicle. In
a case where the navigation route is for departing from a specific
parking space, the navigation route may also be determined by the
computer system based on the position information of the vehicle,
as well as the surrounding environment information. In some
embodiments, the computer system may attempt to acquire the trip
information of the vehicle regardless of whether the vehicle owner
sets a predetermined departure time or a predetermined navigation
route. If those information are not available (e.g., because
vehicle owner did not set the departure time or navigation route),
the computer system may receive null departure time or navigation
route information, and determines that those information are not
available.
[0062] In step S702, The computer system determines that either
scheduled departure time of the first vehicle is later than that of
the second vehicle, or not available, and that the first vehicle is
positioned on the predetermined navigation route of the second
vehicle. Based on these determinations, the computer system may
assign a first parking space to the first vehicle based on the
position information of the first vehicle and the scheduled
navigation route of the second vehicle.
[0063] In step S703, if the computer system determines that the
scheduled departure time of the first vehicle is not available, but
the scheduled departure time of the second vehicle is available,
and the first vehicle is positioned on the scheduled navigation
route of the second vehicle, the computer system may also assign a
first parking space to the first vehicle based on the position
information of the first vehicle and the scheduled navigation route
of the second vehicle.
[0064] In some embodiments, the assigned first parking space to the
first vehicle can be out of the predetermined navigation route of
the second vehicle.
[0065] In some embodiments, when the computer system acquires the
trip information of the second vehicle including the scheduled
navigation route of the second vehicle, the computer system may
determine whether the first vehicle is positioned on the scheduled
navigation route of the second vehicle. If the first vehicle is
determined to be on the scheduled navigation route of the second
vehicle, the computer system further acquires the scheduled
departure times of the first and second vehicles from their trip
information. If the computer system determines that the scheduled
departure time of the first vehicle is not available, but the
scheduled departure time of the second vehicle is available, the
computer system may determine that the owner/driver of the first
vehicle have not set the scheduled departure time of the vehicle.
Based on this determination, the computer system may estimate that
a departure time of the first vehicle is to be later than that of
the second vehicle, and assign a first parking space to the first
vehicle that is not positioned on the scheduled navigation route of
the second vehicle, to reduce the likelihood that the second
vehicle is blocked by the parked first vehicle.
[0066] On the other hand, if both of the scheduled departure times
of the first and the second vehicles are available, the computer
system may determine whether the scheduled departure time of the
first vehicle is later than that of the second vehicle. If the
scheduled departure time of the first vehicle is later than that of
the second vehicle, the computer system may also assign a first
parking space to the first vehicle that is not positioned on the
predetermined navigation route of the second vehicle, to reduce the
likelihood that the second vehicle is blocked by the parked first
vehicle.
[0067] In step S704, the computer system transmits a first
instruction to the first vehicle including the assigned first
parking space information. The instruction can be transmitted to
the first vehicle through a wireless network connection between the
computer system and the first vehicle.
[0068] Optionally, the computer system may also transmit the first
instruction to the first vehicle at a predetermined time point
before the scheduled departure time of the second vehicle, if the
scheduled departure time of the first vehicle is not available. For
example, the computer system may determine that, if the first
vehicle departs before the scheduled departure time of the second
vehicle, the first vehicle can be parked in other parking spaces,
including parking spaces positioned on the predetermined navigation
route of the second vehicle. In that case, the first vehicle needs
not be moved to the assigned first parking space (which is not on
the predetermined navigation route of the second vehicle) until a
predetermined time point (e.g., five minutes) before the scheduled
departure time of the second vehicle. On the other hand, if the
scheduled departure time of the first vehicle is available, the
computer system may either transmit the first instruction
immediately after generating the first instruction, or at the
aforementioned predetermined time point before the scheduled
departure time of the second vehicle.
[0069] In step S705, the first vehicle is controlled to move into
the assigned first parking space according to the first
instruction, similar to step S404 of the method 400.
[0070] In step S706, if the assigned first parking space for the
first vehicle is currently occupied by the second vehicle, the
computer system may determine a second parking space for the second
vehicle, the second parking space being occupied by the first
vehicle before receiving the first instruction.
[0071] In step S707, the computer system transmits a second
instruction to the second vehicle including the second parking
space information.
[0072] The following example is provided to illustrate an operation
of the method 700. Assuming that the first and second vehicles are
parked very close to each other, and the first vehicle is parked in
front of the second vehicle. As a result, the second vehicle is
prevented from leaving its parking space. In this case, the
computer system may schedule the first and second vehicles to
exchange their parking spaces, to allow the second vehicle to
leave. Meanwhile, the parking space exchange also allows the first
vehicle to move to a nearby parking space that is nearby (the
parking space currently occupied by the second vehicle), which
allows the owner to locate the first vehicle later even after the
vehicle was moved by the computer system.
[0073] In step S708, the second vehicle is controlled to move into
the second parking space according to the second instruction. For
example, the automatic driving system of the second vehicle may
control the second vehicle to move into the second parking space
according to the second instruction.
[0074] The computer system may also assign a temporary parking
space for the exchange of parking spaces between the first and
second vehicles. For example, the computer system may assign a
temporary parking space from a vacant parking space. The vacant
parking space can be out of a route to be taken by the second
vehicle when moving into the second parking space (before being
vacated by the first vehicle). By coordinating the transmission of
the first and second instructions, the computer system may first
control the first vehicle to vacate the second parking space and
move into the temporary parking space, and then control the second
vehicle to move into the second parking space vacated by the first
vehicle. Finally, the computer system can control the first vehicle
to move from the temporary parking space to the first parking
space.
[0075] Reference is now made to FIG. 8, which illustrates a
scenario for applying the exemplary parking spaces exchange method
provided by embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG.
8, a parking area 80 is close to a road 81. A vehicle 71 and a
vehicle 72 are parked, respectively, on the road 81 and at the
parking area 80. The vehicle 71 blocks the departure route of the
vehicle 72 from the parking area 80. After acquiring position
information and trip information of the vehicles 71 and 72, the
computer system determines that the vehicle 71 blocks the departure
route of the vehicle 72, and compares the scheduled departure times
of the vehicles 71 and 72.
[0076] If the computer system determines that the scheduled
departure time of the vehicle 71 is later than that of the vehicle
72, or that the scheduled departure time of the vehicle 71 is not
available but the scheduled departure time of the vehicle 72 is
available, the computer system may transmit instructions to the
vehicles 71 and 72 at a predetermined time point (e.g., five
minutes) before the scheduled departure time of the vehicle 72, to
cause the vehicles 71 and 72 to exchange their parking spaces.
[0077] Reference is now made to FIG. 9, which illustrates an
exemplary method for exchanging parking spaces provided by
embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 9, a
parking area 900 includes nine parking spaces arranged in a
3.times.3 array. A vehicle 72 is parked at a parking space in the
middle of the parking area 900, and a vehicle 71 is parked at a
parking space in front of where the vehicle 72 is parked. The
vehicle 71 blocks the departure route of the vehicle 72. After
acquiring position information and trip information of the vehicles
71 and 72, the computer system determines that the vehicle 71
blocks the departure route of the vehicle 72, and compares the
scheduled departure times of the vehicles 71 and 72. If the
computer system determines that scheduled departure time of the
vehicle 71 is later than that of the vehicle 72, or if the
scheduled departure time of the vehicle 71 is not available but the
scheduled departure time of the vehicle 72 is available, the
computer system may transmit instructions to the vehicles 71 and 72
immediately, or at a predetermined time point (e.g., five minutes)
before the scheduled departure time of the vehicle 72, to cause the
vehicles 71 and 72 to exchange their parking spaces.
[0078] With embodiments of the present disclosure, a computer
system may determine, based on position information, scheduled
departure times, and scheduled navigation routes of at least one
vehicle, that a first parked vehicle may block a second parked
vehicle. Based on this determination, the computer system may
transmit instructions to cause the first vehicle to move out before
the scheduled departure times of the second vehicle. As a result,
the operation of the parking area can become more efficient, and
the parking spaces can also be utilized more efficiently.
[0079] FIG. 10 a flow chart illustrating a vehicle control method
1000 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The method
1000 may be performed by the vehicle control system 100 of FIG. 1
to, for example, move a parked vehicle that blocks a moving vehicle
to give way to the moving vehicle, as discussed above. In some
embodiments, the vehicle control method 1000 comprises the
following steps S1001-S1006.
[0080] In step S1001, a computer system acquires position
information and trip information of at least one vehicle including
a first vehicle and a second vehicle. The first vehicle has entered
a parking state and is parked at a certain location, while the
second vehicle is in a moving state. The trip information of the
second vehicle may include a real-time navigation route of the
second vehicle. In some embodiments, the acquisition of position
information and the trip information in step S1001 is similar to
step S401 of the vehicle control method 400 as described above, the
details of which is not repeated here. Because the first vehicle is
in the parking state, the trip information of the first vehicle may
include both a scheduled departure time at which the first vehicle
is scheduled to leave its current position, and a predetermined
navigation route of the first vehicle. On the other hand, because
the second vehicle is in the moving state, the trip information of
the second vehicle may include a real-time navigation route
currently taken by the second vehicle when moving.
[0081] In step S1002, if the computer system determines that the
first vehicle is positioned on the real-time navigation route of
the second vehicle, the computer system assigns a parking space to
the first vehicle based on the position information of the first
vehicle and the real-time navigation route of the second vehicle.
The assigned parking space can be out of the real-time navigation
route of the second vehicle, to avoid the first vehicle blocking
the second vehicle.
[0082] In some embodiments, if the computer system determines that
the trip information of the first vehicle includes the scheduled
departure time of the first vehicle, the computer system may also
determine the time at which the second vehicle is to arrive at the
first vehicle's current position. The computer system further
determines, based on the position information of the first and
second vehicles and the real-time navigation route of the second
vehicle, the time at which the second vehicle will arrive at the
first vehicle's current position, and whether the arrival time is
earlier than the scheduled departure time of the first vehicle. If
the computer system determines that second vehicle arrives at that
location before the first vehicle leaves, the computer system may
assign a parking space to the first vehicle based on the position
information of the first vehicle and the real-time navigation route
of the second vehicle, so that the first vehicle can move out of
its current position which blocks the movement of the second
vehicle. In some embodiments, if the trip information of the first
vehicle does not include the scheduled departure time information,
the computer system may also determine that the first vehicle will
likely remain in its current position by the time the second
vehicle arrives. The computer system may also assign a parking
space to the first vehicle accordingly.
[0083] In some embodiments, if the computer system determines that
the first vehicle may have left its current position by the time
the second vehicle arrives, the computer system may determine that
the first vehicle needs not move from its current position. The
determination can be based on, for example, the scheduled departure
time when the first vehicle is scheduled to move away from its
current position. The determination can also be based on the
estimated position of the second vehicle according to the real-time
route information. For example, before performing the above step
S1002, the computer system may determine whether a distance between
the first and second vehicles is smaller than a preset distance
threshold, and wait until the distance drops below the threshold
before performing the step S1002.
[0084] In step S1003, the computer system transmits a first
instruction to the first vehicle including the assigned parking
space information. The first instruction can be transmitted to the
first vehicle through a wireless network connection between the
computer system and the first vehicle.
[0085] In step S1004, the first vehicle is controlled to move into
the assigned parking space according to the first instruction, in a
similar manner as step S404 of the method 400, the details of which
are not repeated here.
[0086] In step S1005, the computer system determines that the
second vehicle has passed the original location where the first
vehicle was parked before it moves according to the first
instruction. The computer system then transmits a second
instruction to the first vehicle to return to the original
location.
[0087] In step S1006, the first vehicle returns to the original
location according to the second instruction, to allow the
owner/driver of the first vehicle to retrieve the first vehicle
more easily. In some embodiments, the automatic driving system of
the first vehicle may automatically control the first vehicle to
return to its original location, according to the second
instruction.
[0088] Reference is now to FIG. 11, which illustrates a vehicle
moving operation according to the method 1000 of FIG. 10. As shown
in FIG. 11, a vehicle 101 is parked in the middle of a road. After
the computer system detects that the vehicle 101 is on the
real-time navigation route of a vehicle 102, the computer system
determines a parking space E, which is out of the real-time
navigation route of the vehicle 102, for the vehicle 101. The
computer system then transmits the first instruction to the vehicle
101. The automatic driving system of the vehicle 101 controls the
vehicle 101 to move into the parking space E. After the vehicle 102
passes, the computer system transmits the second instruction to the
vehicle 101. Then, the automatic driving system of the vehicle 101
controls the vehicle 101 to return to its original position.
[0089] In some embodiments, the first and second vehicles may also
directly perform information exchange and position scheduling
therebetween. For example, the automatic driving system of the
first vehicle may receive a give-way request sent by the second
vehicle (e.g., when the first vehicle is determined to block the
movement of the second vehicle). The automatic driving system of
the first vehicle may then search for an available parking space
within a preset range which is out of the real-time navigation
route of the second vehicle. After the available parking space is
found, the automatic driving system of the first vehicle may
control the first vehicle to move into the available parking space.
In some embodiments, the detection of the give-way request can be
via short range wireless communications, acoustic and optical
signals, etc. Optionally, after determining that the second vehicle
has passed the original position where the first vehicle is located
before receiving the give-way request, the first vehicle may also
be controlled to return to the original position.
[0090] Referring to the illustrative example of FIG. 11, if the
vehicle 102 determines that it is blocked by the vehicle 101, it
may transmit a give-way request to the vehicle 101 via short range
wireless communications or other predetermined methods, such as
flashing lights or honking according to a predetermined pattern
(e.g., repeated flashing or honking five times successively, for
example). After detecting the give-way request from the vehicle
102, the vehicle 101 may automatically search an available parking
space within a preset surrounding range. The search can be
performed by, for example, analyzing images of the surrounding
captured by cameras mounted above the vehicle 101. After finding
the available parking space, the vehicle 101 is then controlled
(e.g., by an automatic driving system) to move to the parking
space. After the vehicle 102 passes, the vehicle 101 can be
controlled to return to its original position.
[0091] With embodiments of the present disclosure, after
determining that a first vehicle in the parking state is on the
real-time navigation route of the second vehicle, the first vehicle
can be controlled to move to a parking space to make way for the
second vehicle. With such arrangements, traffic flows can be
improved.
[0092] The followings describe apparatus embodiments of this
disclosure, which may be used to perform the method embodiments of
this disclosure. For details not disclosed in the apparatus
embodiments of this disclosure, reference can be made to the method
embodiments of this disclosure.
[0093] FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary vehicle
control apparatus 1200 according to embodiments of the present
disclosure. The vehicle control apparatus 1200 can be used for
scheduling and assigning a parking space to a vehicle, and may be
implemented as a part of the computer system 110 of FIG. 1 through
software, hardware or a combination thereof. The apparatus 1200 may
comprise: an information acquiring module 1201, a first position
determining module 1202, and a first sending module 1203.
[0094] The information acquiring module 1201 is configured to
acquire position information and trip information of at least one
vehicle including a first vehicle which has entered or is to enter
a parking state, the trip information including at least one of a
real-time navigation route, a scheduled departure time and a
scheduled navigation route. In some embodiments, the information
acquiring module 1201 may be configured to perform at least a part
of step S201 of FIG. 2.
[0095] The first position determining module 1202 is configured to
assign a first parking space to the first vehicle based on the
position information and the trip information of the at least one
vehicle. In some embodiments, the information acquiring module 1201
may be configured to perform at least a part of step S202 of FIG.
2.
[0096] The first sending module 1203 is configured to transmit an
instruction to the first vehicle to cause the first vehicle to move
into the assigned first parking space. In some embodiments, the
information acquiring module 1201 may be configured to perform at
least a part of step S203 of FIG. 2.
[0097] FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary vehicle
control apparatus 1300 according to another exemplary embodiment.
The vehicle control apparatus 1300 can be used for scheduling and
assigning a parking space to a vehicle, and may be implemented as a
part of the computer system 110 of FIG. 1 through software,
hardware or a combination thereof. The apparatus 1300 may comprise:
an information acquiring module 1201, a first position determining
module 1202 and a first sending module 1203.
[0098] The information acquiring module 1201 is configured to
acquire position information and trip information of at least one
vehicle including a first vehicle which has entered or is to enter
a parking state, the trip information including at least one of a
real-time navigation route, a scheduled departure time and a
scheduled navigation route. In some embodiments, the information
acquiring module 1201 is configured to perform at least a part of
step S401 of FIG. 4.
[0099] The first position determining module 1202 is configured to
determine a first parking space of the first vehicle based on the
position information and the trip information of the at least one
vehicle. The first position determining module 1202 may further
comprise a first determining sub-module 1202a configured to, if the
scheduled departure time of the first vehicle is determined to be
later than that of the second vehicle, and the first vehicle is
positioned on the scheduled navigation route of the second vehicle,
assign a parking space that is out of the scheduled navigation
route of the second vehicle. The first position determining module
1202 may also comprise a second determining sub-module 1202b
configured to, if the scheduled departure time information of the
first vehicle is unavailable but the scheduled departure time of
the second vehicle is available, and the first vehicle is on the
scheduled navigation route of the second vehicle, also assign a
parking space that is out of the scheduled navigation route of the
second vehicle. In some embodiments, the first position determining
module 1202 is configured to perform at least a part of steps
S701-S703 of FIG. 7.
[0100] The first sending module 1203 is configured to transmit a
first instruction to the first vehicle to cause the first vehicle
to move into the assigned parking space determined. In some
embodiments, the first sending module 1203 is configured to perform
at least a part of step S704 of FIG. 7.
[0101] Optionally, the apparatus 1300 may further comprises a
second position determining module 1204 configured to assign a
second parking space to the second vehicle, the second parking
space being an original position where the first vehicle was
located before receiving the first instruction, and a second
sending module 1205 configured to transmit a second instruction to
the second vehicle to cause the second vehicle to move into the
second parking space. In some embodiments, the second position
determining module 1204 and the second sending module 1205 are
configured to perform, respectively, at least a part of steps S706
and S707 of FIG. 7.
[0102] Optionally, the first position determining module 1202 may
further comprises a third determining sub-module 1202c configured
to, if the first vehicle is positioned on the real-time navigation
route of the second vehicle in a moving state, determine the first
parking space of the first vehicle based on the position
information of the first vehicle and the real-time navigation route
of the second vehicle, the first parking space being out of the
real-time navigation route of the second vehicle. In some
embodiments, the third determining sub-module 1202c is configured
to perform at least a part of step S1002 of FIG. 10.
[0103] The apparatus 1300 my further comprise a third sending
module 1206 configured to, when the second vehicle passes an
original position where the first vehicle was located before
receiving the first instruction, transmit a third instruction to
the first vehicle to cause the first vehicle to return to the
original position. In some embodiments, the third sending module
1206 is configured to perform at least a part of step S1005 of FIG.
10.
[0104] Optionally, the first position determining module 1202 may
further comprise a fourth determining sub-module 1202d configured
to, when the scheduled departure time of the first vehicle is not
later than a designated time point, assign a vacant parking space
from a first set of parking spaces; and a fifth determining
sub-module 1202e configured to, if the scheduled departure time of
the first vehicle is later than the designated time point, assign a
vacant parking space in a second set of parking spaces. The first
set of parking space may include a parking space that is positioned
on a departure route from at least one parking space in the second
set of parking spaces. In some embodiments, the fourth determining
sub-module 1202d and the fifth determining sub-module 1202e are
configured to perform steps S402 and S403 of FIG. 4.
[0105] Optionally, the apparatus further comprises a detecting
module 1207 configured to, before assigning a vacant parking space
in the first set of parking spaces, determines that the assigned
parking space blocks the only route available for accessing a
vacant parking space in the second set of parking spaces, and
assign a buffering parking space not positioned on a route between
the first and second set of parking spaces. The apparatus may
further comprise a fourth sending module 1209 configured to
transmit a fourth instruction to the first vehicle to cause the
first vehicle to move into the buffering parking space. The first
sending module 1203 may also be configured to delay transmission of
the first instruction to the first vehicle (to move into the
assigned parking space) until the first vehicle moves into the
buffering parking space.
[0106] FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary vehicle
control apparatus 1400 according to embodiments of the present
disclosure. The vehicle control apparatus can be implemented as a
part of a first vehicle (e.g., the vehicle 120a of FIG. 1) through
software, hardware or a combination thereof. The apparatus 1400 may
comprise: a first receiving module 1401 and a first control module
1402.
[0107] The first receiving module 1401 is configured to receive,
from a computer system, an instruction including information of an
assigned parking space, the assigned parking space being determined
by the computer system based on position information and trip
information of at least one vehicle including a first vehicle which
has entered or is to enter a parking state, the trip information
including at least one of a real-time navigation route, a scheduled
departure time, and a scheduled navigation route. In some
embodiments, the first receiving module 1401 is configured to
perform at least a part of step S301 of FIG. 3.
[0108] The first control module 1402 is configured to control the
first vehicle to move into the assigned parking space according to
the received first instruction. In some embodiments, the first
control module 1402 is configured to perform at least a part of
step S302 of FIG. 3.
[0109] FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating a vehicle control
apparatus 1500 according to yet another exemplary embodiment. The
vehicle control apparatus 1500 may be implemented as a part of a
first vehicle (e.g., the vehicle 120a of FIG. 1), which has entered
or is to enter a parking state, through software, hardware or a
combination thereof. In addition to the first receiving module 1401
and the first control module 1402 of FIG. 14, the apparatus 1500
further comprises: a position querying module 1403 configured to,
when a give-way request sent by a second vehicle is detected,
search for an available parking space within a preset range
surrounding the first vehicle and that is out of the real-time
navigation route of the second vehicle. The apparatus 1500 may
further comprise a second control module 1404 configured to control
the first vehicle to move into the parking space determined the
position querying module 1403.
[0110] Optionally, the apparatus 1500 further comprises: a second
receiving module 1405 configured to receive the give-way request
from the second vehicle via short range wireless communications,
before the position querying module 1403 searches for the available
parking space. The apparatus 1500 may further comprise a request
detecting module 1406 configured to detect the give-way request
from the second vehicle via an acoustic and optical signal, before
the position querying module 1403 searches for the available
parking space.
[0111] FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary
apparatus 1600 in which embodiments of the present disclosure can
be implemented. For example, the apparatus 1600 may be provided as
a computer system (e.g., the computer system 110 of FIG. 1), or an
automatic driving system of a vehicle (e.g., the vehicle 120a of
FIG. 1). Referring to FIG. 16, the apparatus 1600 comprises: a
processing component 1622 which further comprises one or more
processors, and memory resources represented by a memory 1632 for
storing instructions executable by the processing component 1622,
such as applications. The memory 1632 can include a non-transitory
computer readable medium to store instructions that correspond to
any of the modules and sub-modules of FIGS. 12-15. The
instructions, when executed by the one or more processors of the
processing component 1622, can also cause the one or more
processors to perform the above described methods.
[0112] The apparatus 1600 may further comprise a power component
1626 configured to perform power supply management for the
apparatus 1600, a wired or wireless network interface 1650
configured to connect the apparatus 1600 to a network and an
input/output (I/O) component 1658. The apparatus 1600 may operate
an operating system stored in the memory 1632, such as Windows
Computer system.TM., Mac OS X.TM., Unix.TM., Linux.TM., FreeBSD.TM.
or the like.
[0113] Other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to
those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification
and practice of the disclosure disclosed here. This application is
intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the
disclosure following the general principles thereof and including
such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or
customary practice in the art. It is intended that the
specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a
true scope and spirit of the disclosure being indicated by the
following claims.
[0114] It will be appreciated that the present disclosure is not
limited to the exact construction that has been described above and
illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and that various
modifications and changes can be made without departing from the
scope thereof. It is intended that the scope of the disclosure only
be limited by the appended claims.
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